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Basic Macarons Recipe – Italian Meringue Method

Macarons come in a ton of different flavors, but all macaron shells are made using two basic methods: the Italian Meringue method or the French Meringue method. Learn all about mastering the Basic Macarons using the Italian Meringue method which produces more consistent and beautiful macarons.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

Let’s start at the beginning…

What is a macaron?

Macarons are small, gluten-free confections made of sandwiching two almond meringue cookies with some filling in between.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

What do macarons taste like?

The macarons will take on the flavor of whatever filling they’re sandwiched with. The macaron shells themselves have a very mild sweetened almond flavor. When they are filled and have had a chance to mature (aka sit in the fridge with a filling for 24 hours), the inside of the shell becomes soft and smooth, while the outside stays crispy, but not too brittle.


So what is the difference between Italian Macaron vs French Macaron? 

  • Flavor-wise the difference is not big but noticeable if you have tasted enough of each kind. The French Method of making macarons will produce a rougher “crumb” of the inside of the macaron. While the Italian method tends to produce a finer crumb that is more tender and smooth. Most all commercially produced macarons are made using the Italian Method as it produces a more stable macaron mixture.
  • Appearance-wise French vs Italian has a noticeable difference. The Italian method tends to produce smoother outside of the shell and very often, the outside shell seems to be a bit thicker and not as fragile as some macarons made using the French method.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

French vs Italian, what is the difference in Making Them? 

All macarons are made by making a meringue first, then adding a mixture of almond flour and powdered sugar into it. The difference between the French and Italian methods mainly lies in how you make the meringue itself.

  • The French Method will have you whip the raw egg whites and powdered sugar together. Next, you combine it with the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture. This method makes a meringue that is less stable and is easier to overmix and thus can ruin the macarons.
  • The Italian Method will have you make the meringue by cooking a sugar syrup and then adding it to the egg whites while whipping them continuously. Making the meringue using the Italian method creates a very stiff and stable meringue. Italian meringue is able to withstand a lot more mixing without deflating it prematurely. All in all, the results are more reliable when making the macarons using this method.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

How to make different Flavors of Macarons? 

While all macaron shells are typically made of the same Basic Macarons’ ingredients (almond flour, powdered and granulated sugar) what gives them a different flavor is the filling or the topping. This means that having one good recipe for Basic Macarons will give you limitless possibilities for creating different flavors.

The flavor can be amplified by replacing some (50% or less) of the almond flour called for in the recipe with the same flavored nut flour as the filing. For example, for a Rafaello flavored macaron, you would use coconut flavored filling and replace 50% of the almond amount in the shell with finely ground coconut. Or, for a hazelnut flavored macaron, you would use Nutella for the filling and replace 50% of the almond flour in the macaron cookie with hazelnut flour.

Flavor Balance

Since the macarons on their own are relatively sweet, the filling needs to have the right balance of sweetness or you will end up with tiny sugar bombs that will make your teeth ache. The best way to get a perfect balance is to dial back on the sugar in the filling.  I will share a couple of choices in the up coming couple of weeks that you can pair up with these Basic Macarons.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

Substitute for Almond flour in Macarons

Sometimes the macaron shell flavor can be enhanced by substituting 50% of the almond flour with a different type of flour, like hazelnut, pistachio, or even desiccated coconut. That ratio is pretty important to keep if you want a successful batch. Also, keep in mind that the oil content of the nuts you’re adding is also important. Walnuts, for example, have a high oil content so they would not be a good choice for macarons.

But, if that flavor is not echoed in the filling or the topping, most of the time that change in the nut flour within the shell will not be enough to change the overall flavor profile of the whole macaron.

Can you make your own almond flour?

The short answer is – yes you can.

You can use a food processor and run the almonds together with the powdered sugar called for in the recipe until the almonds are flour-like. Make sure to stop several times throughout and scrape down the sides and bottom. Also, do not overprocess or you will get almond butter.

You can use a nut mill or grinder that has a fine attachment for grinding nuts into flour. Using THIS  tiny mill you will be able to get the same texture that you get when buying pre-made almond flour. Although it does take a while to grind since the mill is not very big.

Proper Macaron structure with no hollows.

Proper Macaron structure with no hollows.


Troubleshooting Macarons 101

Why is my macaron hollow? 

Often the macarons have a mind of their own that is next to impossible to read. There could be different reasons for why the macarons are hollow, but one of the easiest or simplest ways to eliminate hollow macarons is to bake them through properly.

Just like the meringue will have a hollow inside if they’re removed from the oven too quickly (the unbaked part of the meringue just collapses once taken out of the oven), so will the macarons.

The difference could be just 1 minute, so you really need to know your oven and your macaron recipe. It is better to overbake your macarons, which will give you a crispy throughout the macaron shell. But, once paired with the filling and allowed to mature, the macarons will go back to being soft and moist on the inside.

You can even quickly dip or brush the bottom of each macaron shell into some simple syrup (1:1 ratio of water to sugar), milk, or even condensed milk (not sweetened condensed milk) before piping the filling to help with the maturation. In the end, no one will know that the macarons were overbaked.

White Chocolate Raspberry Macarons

What happens when the macarons are underbaked? 

When the macarons are baking they rise up slightly and then they need time to cook through and “solidify” the inside. If the macarons are removed too quickly, the shells will rise up, but since they were not given a chance to solidify the inside by being cooked through, they collapse under their own weight. This gives you the top, and bottom with a large gap between the two.

Can hollow macarons be saved? 

There’s no way to magically fix a hollow macaron, but there is something you can do to give the illusion of no hollow. When the macarons are just out of the oven, if you see that they have a hollow inside, you can gently press on the bottom of the macaron with your thumb creating a small indentation.

When filled with the filling, this will help to not have the huge space between the bottom and top of the shelf, thus giving the illusion of no hollow.

Raspberry Macarons - Italian Meringue method of making Macarons, filled with luscious raspberry buttercream | Let the Baking Begin!

Common Questions

How long do macarons last?

After being made, the macarons need about 24 hours to mature before being ready for consumption. At about 24 hours is when they taste the best. The filling has had a chance to mingle with the shell and come together, delivering the best flavor.  After that, the macarons need to be eaten or properly stored otherwise their flavor profile will decline.

Can you freeze Macarons?

Yes. To freeze macarons, the macarons need to be kept in an airtight container. Better yet, it is good to wrap each macaron in several layers of plastic wrap before putting them into an airtight container.

The freezer burn is all too quick to jump on and ruin macarons, so do not freeze the macarons for more than about 3 – 4 weeks. The secret to keeping macarons fresh is to eat them within a couple of days or to freeze them right away.

White Chocolate Raspberry Macarons

Resting Macarons 

Resting macarons is the process of leaving the macarons out until you’re able to tap the top with your finger and the finger stays clean.

Some people will swear that resting macarons is what gives you a no-hollow macaron. I have tested this theory and in this recipe, no resting is required. Since this recipe is created by a famous pastry chef who sells macarons (among other things) for a living, I not only trust my own experience but his too.

Nevertheless, if you have attempted to rest the macarons from this recipe and you get better results that way, by all means, rest the macarons! At the end of the day, you’re the boss!

Before we get to this recipe,

I wanted to mention that I have tested out many recipes using the Italian Meringue Method and this one seems to be the most straightforward, without too much fuss, and with great results every single time, at least for me.

Read the instructions carefully, prepare everything ahead (measure and weigh) then get baking 😀

If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again! Good luck and if you’ve made it at least this far, make sure to treat yourself with at least one macaron!

If you still have any questions that were unanswered in this post, go ahead and post them below and I will do my best to answer.

 

Basic Macarons – Italian Meringue Method

Source: Bouchon Bakery Cookbook
Yields:
60 – 70 halves or 30-35 pairs

Ingredients for the Basic Macarons – Italian Meringue Method

Sift together twice:

Heat 172 g of egg whites together, then separate into the following:

  • 82 grams (1/4 cups + 1 1/2 Tbsp) – egg whites, room temperature (add this to the sifted almonds and powdered sugar)
  • 90 g (1/4 cups + 2 Tbsp) – egg whites, room temperature (add this to a mixer bowl)

Combine together and cook until 248F

FILLING – 1 cup according to book (2 cups according to my preference)

How to make Basic Macarons – Italian Meringue Method

Prep: Line two 15in x 21 in baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350F with the baking rack in the middle. Gather all of your ingredients and weigh them. Collect all the equipment needed.

Sift the ingredients:

  • Combine 212 grams almond flour and 212 grams of powdered sugar and sift twice into a large bowl.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

  • Measure the egg whites for the macaron batter:
    Separate eggs and reserve 172 grams of egg whites. Place them in the microwave for about 40 seconds and heat in 5-7 second intervals, mixing in between each interval.
  • Now take away about 90 grams of egg whites to a clean, grease-free bowl of a stand mixer.
    Add the remaining egg whites (82 g) to the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture that was sifted earlier and mix together until paste forms. Set aside.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

  • Make the syrup for Italian Meringue:
    In a small saucepan combine 236 grams of granulated sugar and 158 grams of water. Heat over medium heat. Stir the sugar until it dissolves, being careful not to splash over the sides of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking without stirring until about 235F-240F.

 If there is a sugar splatter on the sides of the pot, wash it down with a wet brush to prevent the formation of large sugar crystals. If the syrup crystallizes, discard the syrup and start over.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

  • Once the syrup reaches 235F, whip the egg whites with 2 tablespoons of sugar just until foamy being careful not to overwhip. Stop the mixer once the egg whites are whipped to the proper consistency, or continue running on the lowest speed.

If the egg whites do not look smooth after whipping, and look lumpy or “curdled” instead, discard and prepare a fresh set of egg whites for this step (about 90 grams), remembering to heat the egg whites first. 

  • Once the syrup reaches 248F, remove from heat, and with the mixer running at the highest speed slowly pour the syrup between the bowl and the whisk.
    Continue whipping for about 8-10 minutes and until the bowl is cool to the touch. If you plan to color the shells, right now is a good time to add the gel coloring since it will have plenty of time to incorporate into the meringue.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

  • The meringue will be stiff, but a whisk dipped into the meringue and lifted will have a peak that slightly bends.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

Combine the Meringue with Almond Mixture into Macaron Batter:

  • Next, add the whipped meringue into the almond paste in three additions and keep folding until the mixture falls off the whisk like lava, forming a thick ribbon that you can draw a number 8 with.
  • The mixture shouldn’t be so stiff that it holds its shape without disappearing, but it shouldn’t be so loose that it dissolves into itself and does not maintain the ribbon. It is better for the mixture to be slightly stiff than too loose.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

Pipe Basic Macarons (Italian Meringue Method):

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

  • Pipe the macarons onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet by pressing out 1.5-inch circles about 1 inch apart.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

  • Rap the sheet against the counter 5-10 times to remove any large bubbles. If you use a softer surface to avoid the loud noise that comes with rapping the sheet on the counter, increase the number of raps.  Next, use a pin or something sharp to pop any remaining bubbles that have risen to the surface of the macarons, but haven’t popped.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

  • Place the baking sheets into a preheated to 350F (for convection) or 400F (for regular) degrees oven and bake for 8-10 minutes (convection) or immediately reduce the heat to 325F and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before removing macarons off the parchment paper.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

  • Bake the rest of the macarons in the same fashion, preheating the oven to 350F before each new baking sheet is placed in the oven.
  • To fill, use either a ziplock bag or a piping bag fitted with a 5/8th inch plain round piping tip (Ateco 808) or a 1/2 inch round plain pipng tip, then fill with cream.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

  • Filled macarons should be allowed to mature by refrigerating them for 24 hours before serving.

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial.

Check out these other MACARON recipes:

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method

4.76 from 86 votes

Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method - learn all the secrets to perfect macarons in step by step photo tutorial and a troubleshooting guide.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French, Indian
Keyword: basic macaron
Calories: 100 kcal
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 60 macarons

Ingredients

Basic Macaron - Italian Meringue Method

Sift together twice

Heat 172g of egg whites in the microwave in small increments until slightly warm to the touch, then divide

  • 82 g egg whites, room temperature 82 g = 1/4 cups + 1 1/2 Tbsp (this will be folded into the almond mixture and form a paste)
  • 90 g egg whites, room temperature 90 g = 1/4 cups + 2 Tbsp (this will be whipped with the Syrup)

Ingredients for the Syrup (Cook together until 248F)

FILLING - 1 cup according to book (2 cups according to my preference)

Instructions

How to make Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method

Make the Macaron Batter

  1. Prep: 

    Line two 15in x 21in baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Preheat oven to 350F with the baking rack in the middle. Gather all of your ingredients and equipment.

  2. Sift the ingredients:

    Combine 212 grams almond flour and 212 grams of powdered sugar and sift it twice into a large bowl.

  3. Measure the egg whites:

    Separate eggs and reserve 172 g of egg whites. Place them in the microwave for about 40 seconds and heat in 5-7 second intervals, mixing in between each interval.

    Now take away about 90 grams of egg whites to a clean, grease-free bowl of a stand mixer.

    Add the remaining egg whites (82 g) to the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture that was sifted earlier and mix together into a thick paste.

  4. Make the syrup for Italian Meringue:

    In a small saucepan combine 236 grams of sugar and 158 grams of water. Place over medium heat. Stir the sugar until it dissolves, being careful not to splash over the sides of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until about 235F-240F.

     If there is sugar splatter on the sides of the pot when making syrup, wash it down with a wet brush to prevent the formation of large sugar crystals. If the syrup crystallizes, discard the syrup and start over.

  5. When it does, whip the egg whites with 2 tablespoons of sugar just until foamy, being careful not to overwhip. Stop the mixer once the egg whites are whipped to the proper consistency, or run it on the lowest speed.

    If the egg whites do not look smooth when whipping them and look lumpy or "curdled" instead, discard and prepare a fresh set of egg whites for this step (about 90 grams), remembering to heat the egg whites.

  6. Once the syrup reaches 248F, remove from heat and with the mixer running at the highest speed slowly pour the syrup between the bowl and the whisk.

    Continue whipping for about 8-10 minutes and until the bowl is cool to the touch, the meringue is stiff and glossy. Add gel food coloring during the whipping stage if using.

    The meringue will be stiff, but a whisk dipped into the meringue and lifted will have a peak that slightly bends.

Fold the Meringue and Almond Mixture into Macaron Batter

  1. Next, fold the whipped meringue into the almond mixture, in 3 additions. Continue folding until the mixture falls off the whisk like lava, forming a thick ribbon, that you can draw a number 8 with. 

    The mixture shouldn't be so stiff that it holds its shape, but it shouldn't be so loose that it dissolves into itself and does not maintain the ribbon. It is better to for the mixture to be slightly stiff than too loose.

Pipe the Basic Macarons

  1. Fill the prepared piping bag fitted with the 5/8th inch round plain tip (Ateco 808) with the macaron batter. You can drape the empty bag over a tall glass to make it easier to fill the pastry bag.

  2. Pipe the macarons onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet by pressing out 1.5-inch circles about 1 inch apart.

  3. Rap the sheet against the counter 5-10 times to remove any large bubbles. If you use a softer surface to avoid the loud noise that comes with rapping the sheet on the counter, increase the number of raps.  

    Pop the air bubbles: Next, use a pin or something sharp to pop any remaining bubbles that have risen to the surface of the macarons, but haven't popped.

Bake the Basic Macarons

  1. Bake:

    Place into a preheated to 350F oven and reduce the heat to 325F right away. Bake for 10-12 minutes (best to set the timer). Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before removing off the parchment paper.

    How to know when macarons are ready: open the oven and touch the top of the macaron - if the top shell doesn't wiggle too much from the "foot" of the macaron, the macarons are ready. If it still wiggles, add 1 minute of baking time and check again. Note the baking time and set the timer for this time for the next batch.

    Bake the rest of the macarons in the same fashion, preheating the oven to 350F each time a new baking sheet is placed in the oven.

  2. Remove the baking sheet with the macarons from the oven and carefully slide the parchment paper with the macarons out of the sheet and onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely, then gently peel off each macaron shell. Before filling, pair the shells by size.

Filling Macarons

  1. To fill macarons, use either a ziplock bag or a piping bag fitted with a 1/2 inch plain round piping tip (Ateco 807), then fill with cream.

    You will need about 4 cups of filling for this amount of macarons.

  2. Filled macarons should be allowed to mature by refrigerating them for 24 hours, covered, before serving.

Nutrition Facts
Basic Macarons - Italian Meringue Method
Amount Per Serving
Calories 100 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Sodium 10mg0%
Potassium 9mg0%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Sugar 15g17%
Protein 2g4%
Calcium 15mg2%
Iron 0.3mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Marina | Let the Baking Begin

Welcome to Let the Baking Begin! I'm Marina and my love and passion for eating only the most delicious foods drive me to share that love here on Let the Baking Begin (since 2009). With over 20 years of experience in the kitchen, you know the recipes are tested and retested until perfect. I'm so happy to have you here. Enjoy! Read more...

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  • MICHAEL

    Read thru these comments and you are a Saint. Macarons are my nemesis, going to give these a shot. Good thorough recipe.

    · Reply
  • Rhyann

    I think this recipe is great for the base of the macarons but after putting my macarons directly into the oven and decreasing the temp both pans cracked; one as a full slips and the other as more of a shatter – both with no feet. I let the 3rd tray (some of which had shaped shells) form a skin on top for about 10 minutes and left the temp at 350, baked for 10 minutes in an attempt to fix the issue and they 90% came out the same way and browned on the top; a few of the shaped ones had small feet but nothing major. I think the baking temp is too high and the bake time isn’t long enough to dry them out. I have no idea what’s going wrong in this. Help.

    · Reply
  • Michelle

    Hi. You have the following in bold: Heat 172 g of egg whites together, then separate into the following:

    Did you mean to say BEAT the eggs together in this step or actually HEAT them?

    · Reply
    • No, I do mean “heat”. Eggs need to be brought to room temp before using or the macacrons tend to not come out right.

      · Reply
  • Tari Walsh

    Game chager for me honestly! I have struggled with ALL the techniques until this so thank you so much

    · Reply
  • I love this recipe !! Some of the macarons had air bubbles and looked a little funny, but they taste SO GOOD. Thank you so much will definitely use this again

    · Reply
  • Mia

    Little late to the party, but when you say to add two tablespoons of sugar to the egg whites, will that be the syrup or granulated sugar?

    · Reply
  • Kristyna

    I’m desperate… I was so happy I finally found recipe which looked so promising. I made 1 full batch and 3 half batches, with colour, without… Waiting and baking straight away, but 95% of them are cracked in the middle… What I’m doing wrong? I follow the recipe on minutes…I have all stuff I need… But they are just not working… Those 5% are stunning, never ever I had macarons like this without browning…but the rest is just disasters…

    · Reply
    • Hi Kristyna,
      Sorry to hear of the troubles 🙁

      Have you looked at the troubleshooting guide above the recipe? some of those tips might be helpful.

      I would try resting them until they form a skin (if you touch, it should not stick to your finger) and then bake as a start.

      · Reply
  • Marissa

    Are you able to suggest how you would make chocolate macaron shells using this method/recipe? I would imagine you could just replace some of the almond flour with cocoa powder, but I’m not sure if it will actually work out that way.

    · Reply
    • Hi Marissa, I think you’re on the right track, but I haven’t tested this to be sure. If I was just going to try, I would take away about 30 grams of almonds and replace them with about 15 grams of cocoa powder. Again, this would be where I would start, but I haven’t done this so I can’t tell you if this will work.

      · Reply
      • Marissa

        Thank you for the reply! I totally understand and appreciate just knowing where you would start yourself. I may test this out and I will come back to let you know if it worked!

        · Reply
        • I would appreciate that! I actually did try to make a chocolate version of this macaron years ago and I remember it worked out well, I just don’t remember exactly what I did as I didn’t write it down 🙁

          · Reply
        • Ok, you’re not going to believe it lol. I’m laughing at myself as I type this. I actually do have a chocolate version of this macaron on my site *hugest facepalm slap*. So not only did I make them in chocolate version, I actually did record it all and post it.
          Here it is – https://letthebakingbegin.com/hazelnut-macarons/
          In that recipe, I replaced half the flour with hazelnut flour to give them the most hazelnut flavor, but you can just use all almond flour and follow the rest of the recipe as written.

          · Reply
          • Marissa

            I do that sort of thing all the time, no worries at all! I will take it as excellent news that I don’t have to experiment on my own and save that recipe you linked for my next batch. I did try this original Italian meringue macaron recipe some number of years ago and I remember it being amazing! I can’t wait to try again in another flavor 🙂

          • I hope you love the chocolate version just as much! I’d love to hear how everything went when you do try it 🙂
            Good luck!

      • Luke m

        I have had success replacing an equal portion of the icing sugar with cocoa rather than the almond meal. I have been able to make perfect cookies cutting half the icing sugar with tapioca starch. Same texture, just much less sweet.

        · Reply
        • Wow, tapioca starch? Could you taste the starch in the finished macaron? Would’ve never thought of replacing the sugar with starch. Thank you for sharing that!

          I know that cocoa powder thickens the batter, while the sugar thins it, so replacing the sugar with cocoa would make the batter even more thick than just adding the cocoa would. Have you found the batter to be thicker when adding the cocoa and taking away the sugar?

          · Reply
  • Elham Bostakian

    Dear Marina
    Don’t you have any video of yours making this recipe?

    · Reply
  • Elham Bostakian

    Hi dear Marina
    How can I bake my second tray ?should I have to wait the oven to cool down first and then preheat it again to 375 and dosen’t it make trouble for the second batch to rest in this period of time?
    Thank you so much for your reply

    · Reply
    • Nancine Pike

      no, just adjust the temp to 375 and put them in when it reaches temp. This is what I do and it works every time. Best recipe ever. Got my daughter making them and she gets rave reviews and people pay her to make them!

      · Reply
      • Elham Bodtakian

        Thanks Nancine for your advice

        · Reply
  • Elham Bostakian

    You are so kind

    · Reply
  • Elham Bostakian

    Sorry I don’t know if I have to bake my macarons in the middle of my oven or not my oven is unox and it has 3 levels

    · Reply
    • The macarons should be baked in the center of your oven. So, yes, place the rack in the middle and bake your macarons there.

      · Reply
      • Elham Bostakian

        Thank you so much

        · Reply
  • Elham Bostakian

    Hi dear
    Will you please tell me what is the basic reson for thin feet of my macarons

    · Reply
    • Hi Elham,
      there are many reason for thin or non-existent macaron feet. One of the main reasons could be that the batter was overmixed, and thus was too thin and spread out after you have piped it. I have also seen many say that if they rest their macarons until they form a skin, the feet issue resolves.

      · Reply
      • Elham Bostakian

        Thank you so much

        · Reply
  • Simonne Ho

    After adding the sugar syrup, at what speed you use to mix the meringue ?
    eg KA (1-10)

    · Reply
  • Sha

    Hi! what oven do you use for italian macarons? convectional oven or non fan oven? hope you notice my question

    · Reply
  • Irina

    I really wanted to love this recipe, but unfortunately no success after tons of batches that kept being hollow and lopsided. Feel I wasted too much time and money. Wish you would provide a more detailed troubleshooting post or even a video on how you master your recipe for macarons. Either way this recipe isn’t for me.

    · Reply
    • Hi Irina,
      Sorry to hear you had trouble with this recipe.

      I think the troubleshooting guide you see above the recipe card covers most of the most common ways for fixing macarons that didn’t work. Still, sometimes even with the best knowledge and tons of experience, the macarons just come out wrong no matter what.

      In fact, I just spoke to someone who does macarons for a living, and she has mentioned that late august through late September is when her macarons tend just not to come out right. She says she thinks it has something to do with the weather or how the weather changes from summer to fall. Not sure where the trick in this is, but this was a new one for me, so I thought I’d share.

      · Reply
    • Jojo

      Lopsided is a result of your oven not providing an even fan bake throughout. Imagine a wind blowing your hair, and your hair sets. Similar. And they need to be cooked longer. Slightly higher temp ‘sets’ them, as you woukd a souffle, pavlova, meringues etc, and the lower temp fir the remainder is what bakes and ‘cooks’ the filling. I usually take my sugar syrup to soft crack stage, instead of 112degrees Celsius, I go to 118degrees.
      I baked macarons for 5 years commercially until I sold the business so I hope my experienced advice helps someone….. I’d hate to have arthritic hands from piping millions of macarons for nothing, lol!!!

      · Reply
      • Jojo

        Oh, and the evenness of which you pipe. Pipe directly from the top flat onto the paper.
        Yes, all these things…..

        · Reply
  • sophia

    Hi Marina,
    the recipe looks very promising, the content makes 60 wafers that is 30 filled pairs right? also the 2 tbsp sugar added to the egg whites while the syrup is still boiling is additional right?
    can I expect the reply immediately. I need to start a batch today.
    Lots of love
    Sophia

    · Reply
  • Irina

    Hi, I’ve made this recipe 5 times ready, my macarons come out not cracked, hollow except for lopsided. I can’t pin point why they are lopsided. They form nice feet and smooth top. It’s the moment I get them baking they are lopsided. I pipe them at 90 degree onto silicone mat that are used for macarons, so I don’t believe it my piping technique. I want to keep using this recipe but I’m at the point where I want to give up, I just can’t figure it out lol.

    Any suggestions?

    · Reply
    • Esma

      It’s lopsided bc you’re not waiting long enough for the macarons to have a skin on them

      · Reply
  • Elizabeth

    Lol alright, you’re the pros after all, not me the one with over a decade of work experience making such things on a regular basis at a professional level and a degree in Patisserie 😉 I was just trying to help but obviously you don’t want to listen.

    You should suggest this in your post whether the original author included it or not, it’s an industry standard to do so. Weather greatly effects the turn-out of macarons. It’s better to list it and someone not follow than leave it out

    · Reply
    • Hi Elizabeth,
      I’m sorry you took offense at my response, I wasn’t trying to offend you. I was just trying to point to facts surrounding the recipe.
      Also, I do mention about resting or not resting the macarons in the post.

      · Reply
      • Cheryl

        Why do the egg whites need to be heated?

        · Reply
        • They just need to be room temperature. You can also leave the separated egg whites on the counter overnight to get the same effect.

          · Reply
  • Elizabeth

    Should be mentioned that macarons should ALWAYS be allowed to sit until they form a skin on the top of them before baking.

    Sincerely a professional pastry chef 🙂

    · Reply
    • Hi Elizabeth,
      Thank you for your comment, I appreciate you taking the time. Not sure if you noticed, but this recipe isn’t mine. The pastry chef and owner of Bouchon Bakery whose recipe this is didn’t recommend leaving them out, so I didn’t include it in the directions. When using this recipe I have had success with both leaving the macarons out to sit and form a skin, as well as baking them right away.

      But, if leaving them out is the only way they come out right for you that is definitely something you should do. Macarons are pretty finicky so I wouldn’t be surprised if they came out better for some only if they were left out to form a skin.

      · Reply
    • Nancine Pike

      I am NOT a professional pastry chef but I use this recipe constantly. I have tried both and there is no difference. It is a great recipe, I am a huge fan.

      · Reply
  • Nancine Pike

    I have commented on this recipe positively before, when I first found it. I have used this recipe several times and the more I use it, the more I appreciate it. This really is no-fail. My daughter now relies on it as well, and substitutes 1/3 of the almond flour with pistachio and loves the consistency of the results using this method.

    · Reply
  • Haleemah

    Hi,
    Why is my eggs and sugar syrup not coming to stiff peaks? Ive used this recipe a few times and all times my egg never came to stiff peaks.
    Although my macarons did have feet and wernt cracked. The only problem was that they were hollow. Also why are they hollow? Is the problem the eggs?
    Also thanks alot for your recipe Will deffinatley use your other macaron recipes.
    Thanks in advance

    · Reply
    • Hi Haleemah,
      When you whip the egg whites and hot syrup, do they look like the picture where the egg whites hang in a “beak” like the picture?

      There are many reasons why the macarons might come out hollow, have you read through the section on “why is my macaron hollow”? It has some ideas and tips there.

      Macarons are very finicky so congratulations for having the courage to try making them and not giving up even if they don’t come out right the first time! You’ll get there!

      · Reply
  • Lorraine E Howlett

    Finally! I made an entire batch of macarons with no hollows and no cracks!!! Great recipe, great instructions and hints!!!! Thank you!

    · Reply
  • Adison

    Don’t we need to rest the macaroons she’ll before baking?

    · Reply
    • Hi Adison,
      I answered this question in the post. But in short, this recipe does not require resting. Nevertheless, some readers have mentioned that they do get better results with resting though.

      · Reply
  • Snowflakes

    I just made these, most of them came out perfect but some of them within the same batch had cracked shells, it’s okay, I feel so proud and motivated to perfect this now, I’ll post the pics on Instagram and tag you. Thank you so much for the detailed instruction.

    · Reply
  • Olya

    Marina thank you for all your tips. The problem ended up being my oven. I have a gas oven and I guess macarons are to temperamental for it, when I tried my moms electric it solved the problem.

    · Reply
  • Alison Grossman

    How long should it take to reach the 248 degrees? It took me almost 40 minutes. Any advice or is that accurate?

    · Reply
    • Hi Alison, did you double or increase the recipe?
      If it’s just a single batch it takes about 10 minutes from the time it comes to a boil.

      · Reply
      • Alison Grossman

        I actually halved the recipe. Thank you for the update!

        · Reply
  • Jessica

    First recipe for macarons that came out PERFECTLY. Zero stress, no hollows, no browning. Thank you, thank you!!

    · Reply

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